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1) What was the process like for applying to the give a year scholarship? How did you find out about it?

I didn’t have to do anything special to apply for the City Year scholarship with Pepperdine University. The scholarship is awarded to a student based on the content of the application essay, professional goals, financial need, and academic performance in college. I have to credit my City Year Los Angeles teammate Jessica for reminding me that Pepperdine has the scholarship and encouraging me to apply.

2) Where and what will you be studying? Why did you decide to choose that major?

I am working on a Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology in Los Angeles. I’ve been interested in Psychology since an early age, primarily early childhood intervention (psychopathology, behavioral issues, developmental disorders, you name it).

3) How has your experience at City Year impacted your decisions after? Can you pinpoint new skills or abilities you can attribute to the City Year experience?

My CYLA team was the first City Year team in our middle school and I went through several partner-teachers over the course of the year. The main takeaway message from my experience is that life is crazy and you just have to be flexible, be patient, and "roll with the punches.” Over the year I became more determined in the face of difficulty, mastered time-management, and improved my ability to adapt to different situations. I now know that I can handle working full-time and going to school.

4) Do you have plans for what field you would like to work in after you finish your degree?

I am currently working full-time as a case manager and counselor for a Narcotic/Opioid Treatment Program and going to school three times a week in the evenings. I don’t think I will remain in the drug-counseling field too long, but it is excellent clinical experience. I would like to spend some time in a community health clinic and then possibly go on to obtain a PsyD or PhD in Psychology. One day when I am more settled down I would like to have my own private practice and maybe teach a course or two at a college.

5) Can you give us a snapshot of one of your favorite moments/memories at City Year?

My team had an unbelievable connection and we really became like a second family. Lucky for us, we laughed every day. If I had to pick one moment, it is of myself and a few teammates dancing down a school hallway to Neon Trees’ "Animal” during a service project. That song will forever remind me of my team.